The return of fantasy musicals has made itself felt strongly thanks to the release of Wicked, a film that has managed to break the mold and put the genre back among the public's preferences. In recent months, the industry has been marked by superheroes, thrillers and intense dramas., leaving musicals in the background. However, the film adaptation of this Broadway phenomenon, directed by Jon M. Chu, has managed to change that trend.
Wicked has caught the attention of the public and critics both for its story and its spectacular visual aesthetic. Few titles in the last decade have so successfully combined magic, fantasy, and great performances, making it one of the year's must-see films for genre fans and those seeking a different on-screen experience.
Wicked: 10 Oscar nominations and international success
The premiere of Wicked on November 22, 2024 was a true phenomenon., both at the box office and at the awards level. Its release was accompanied by praise for the direction, the production, and the performances of Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda), two actresses already well-received by the public and who shine here especially for their chemistry and strength on stage.
It is no coincidence that the film accumulated 10 Oscar nominations in the 2025 edition, an unusual number for fantasy and musical titles. Wicked not only competed in the technical categories, but It was also a finalist for Best Picture and nominated its two leads.Finally, he took home two statuettes: Best Production Design and Best Costume Design, a recognition of the film's visual display.
A luxury cast and a story that transcends
The story of Wicked takes place long before Dorothy's arrival in the Land of Oz., focusing on the complex relationship between Elphaba and Glinda during their time as students at Shiz University. The former, misunderstood from a young age due to her green skin and unconventional nature, gradually discovers her true power as she grows up. Glinda, meanwhile, enjoys social favor and a comfortable life, but she will also have to confront her own contradictions, learning to look beyond appearances.
Elphaba is played by Cynthia Erivo, known for works such as "Harriet, in Search of Freedom" or "The Visitor", while Ariana Grande, one of the biggest international pop stars, successfully brings Glinda to life. The cast is rounded out by names such as Michelle yeoh (Madame Morrible), Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard of Oz), Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Ethan Slater (Boq) and Marissa Bode (Nessarose), among others, placing the film at a level of acting quality rarely seen in this genre.
The direction is in charge of Jon M Chu, with previous experience in musicals such as "In the Borough of New York" and commercial titles such as "Now You See Me 2" or "Crazy Rich Asians". His vision has allowed Wicked to retain the original spirit of the musical and adapt it to cinematic language without losing the excitement or spectacular nature of the musical numbers.
Available in streaming: SkyShowtime, HBO Max and Apple TV+
Following its theatrical release and arrival on Video on Demand, Wicked is now available on SkyShowtime, which has allowed even more viewers to enjoy it at home. In addition, since July 11, 2025, the film can also be seen in HBO Max and Apple TV+ in several regions, expanding its global reach.
The film has a duration of 160 minutes and has been announced as the first part of a two-part story; the second part is scheduled for release in November 2025, generating great excitement among those already captivated by the universe of Oz and the evolution of its protagonists.
Its production quality, spectacular sets, and outstanding costume design have been among the highlights of the film's critical acclaim. Wicked thus manages to breathe new life into the musical genre, making its message and magic accessible to both regular theater audiences and new viewers on the big screen and at home.
The themes addressed in the story are still relevant today., as they deal with issues such as prejudice, friendship, ambition and social pressure, aspects easily recognizable in modern society, although wrapped in a world of fantasy and magic.
With its arrival on streaming platforms and its critical and public success, Wicked consolidates itself as one of the most important fantasy films of recent years, capable of captivating both those seeking great visual productions and those who desire stories with heart and a message.